Sai Oua or northern Thai sausagewill also be among the offerings. Made from pork mince, the dish is infused with herbs and spices and freshly pounded curry paste creating an ultimate finger-friendly snack served either hot or cold.

Krapaw Bacon is a Mango Tree innovation from central Thailand, taking one of the best loved spicy dishes and turning it into a lighter and healthier snack by removing the boiled rice and eating with lettuce.

Then there’s Moo Ping, pork marinated in sweet soy-based sauce and grilled on charcoal stove, a unique dish that showcases all the signature Thai flavours: sweet, sour and spicy from the north eastern region know for the origins of Som Tam. Chef Pitaya’s recipe reaches beyond the original by using onzen eggs instead of fried hard boiled eggs for a fun, healthy, delicious taste experience.

“Flavours of Thailand”, showcasing the five dishes from the four regions of Thailand, will be launched on May 1, providing diners with the opportunity to taste genuine Thai cuisine and introduce to the market dishes that are less well known, but no less exceptional culinary experiences.

“In many ways we have taken one step back as we look forward,” added Mr MacKenzie. “We have rediscovered many of the well known dishes in Thailand and reimagined them through creative design and presentation while remaining true to the original ingredients.”

Thai restaurant operator, cultural ambassador and culinary innovator Mango Tree Worldwide has announced an ambitious programme of expansion on its fifth anniversary that will significantly extend its branded restaurants and cafés in the Philippines by 2020.

The growth in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies will for the first time reach outside of the capital into secondary urban and key tourism destinations as Mango Tree embarks on a round of “discovery” research to plan for the second phase of the group’s development plan in the Philippines.

The growth strategy will also see the re-styling of not only restaurants in Manila but throughout the world as Mango Tree Worldwide Managing Director Trevor MacKenzie used the occasion in the Philippine capital as the launch pad for his announcement that will ultimately cover all 70 outlets in the group.

“Our customers here are among the most sophisticated in Asia,” he said. “Diners in Manila are very discerning not only in their taste for Thai food but in their demands for style in presentation and experience in our restaurants.”

“We will be piloting a range of interior renovations that will infuse a new attitude, focusing on a blend of millennial-driven modern Thai lifestyle with a celebration of originality and creativity that encapsulates our evolving vision of style, simplicity and living history. It is an exciting project and one which will offer a reinvigorated platform for the accelerated growth of the brand.”

Mango Tree Worldwide will also celebrate its anniversary in Manila by working with Ms. Suzanna Pavadee Vicheinrut Yuzon, former Miss Thailand and President of Miss Possibilities Foundation – a non- government, non-profit organization which supports children with special needs. The brand will host a special charity dinner in which the children will entertain guests with a special performance. A donation will be made by Mango Tree and its franchise partners Mother Spice Food Corporation as a part of an ongoing commitment to Miss Possibilities Foundation.

Mango Tree currently operates its flagship Mango Tree Restaurant in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), plus two Mango Tree Bistros, one in Trinoma, Quezon City and the other in Green Belt 5 in Makati.